STEPHEN JONES' future remained uncertain last night after showdown talks with Llanelli Scarlets failed to materialise.

Scarlets officials had to attend a function in North Wales as they prepared for today's must-win Celtic League clash with Glasgow in Wrexham.

And that meant they were unable to speak with the Wales outside-half, who is wanted by twice-European champions Leicester, big-spenders Saracens and French club Montferrand.

It is believed Jones has decided his future is either with the Scarlets or Leicester and Llanelli chief executive Stuart Gallacher and coach Gareth Jenkins now expect to be put out of their misery this morning when they meet up with Jones at the team's hotel in Wrexham.

But The Western Mail can reveal new Wales coach Mike Ruddock has spoken to the 26-year-old and given him a clear message.

"I have told Stephen we would like him to stay here," admitted Ruddock last night. "In the ideal world he would but it is not the ideal world. We can only do so much."

"It would be better if the likes of Stephen and Gareth Thomas remain in Wales, for them and for us.

"I haven't spoken to Gareth yet but intend to. However, I will be telling him the same thing.

"There is a lot for these lads to consider but they have to make the ultimate decision. It is their choice where they play."

The Scarlets hope to get a decision off 40-times capped Jones before today's clash with Glasgow at the Racecourse.

Jones is at No 10 for a match they need to win as they attempt to keep their bid for the first full-blown Celtic League crown on track.

Rivals Ulster, who they face in a potential end-of-season showdown at Stradey Park, scraped a 19-15 victory at bottom of the table Borders last night to move four points clear at the top. If the Scarlets beat Glasgow tonight and score four or more tries they will have a one-point advantage with fixtures against the Ospreys, at Swansea, and Ulster remaining.

Celtic Warriors secured a place in next season's Heineken Cup with a 30-19 victory in Edinburgh, which means the Ospreys and Cardiff Blues are scrapping over the final place in the European showpiece with the loser filling the unwanted spot in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup.

The Blues closed the gap on the Ospreys to four points with a record 60-14 demolition of Munster at the Arms Park, the Ospreys netting a creditable 16-16 draw at Leinster.